20 Best Computer Science Schools in Canada – 2024
October 8, 2024
Best Computer Science Schools in Canada – Computer science is a growing and dynamic field. Students with a degree in computer science are well-equipped to work for top companies that utilize leading-edge technology. Because computers have become such a staple of our daily lives, it only makes sense that companies are looking for qualified candidates to maintain, research, and innovate the capacity for our computer usage. Before we look at the best computer science universities in Canada, let’s review some basics of this discipline.
What is Computer Science?
So, what is computer science? Simply, computer science is the study of computers. This study refers to the computational system of a computer, which includes its software, or inner-workings, and related systems. A computer science major can study computer science theory, design, development, and application.
Additionally, computer science also relates to the study of information and automation. There are many fields within computer science that someone can specialize in, including artificial intelligence, robotics, IT systems, and more.
Jobs for a Computer Science Degree
Because computers are an essential part of our lives, there are many career options for computer science majors.
Those with an interest in business can become a data analyst, IT sales professional or trainer, or work in manufacturing.
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Computer science majors can also become mobile app developers, web designers, and continue their work to develop new and innovative software.
The fields of scientific computing, web and internet technologies, computer systems, and even video game design are all in-demand careers. Earning a computer science degree from one of the best computer science schools in Canada will provide a competitive advantage when applying for these careers.
Computer science schools in Canada
There are many computer science schools in Canada, but for the purposes of this article, we have assembled the top 20. The ranking is based on the program鈥檚 enduring longevity, distinguished faculty, history of research, ability to gain hands-on experience, and availability of co-op programs.
1)
- Toronto, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 43%
Ranked highly as one of the best computer science schools in Canada, the University of Toronto offers hands-on experience under the direction of award-winning faculty. For example, in the computer science major, there are two Turing Award winners on staff. Gaining professional, real-world experience as an undergraduate is a big reason why this program is number one on our list. Plus, U of T is also well-known for its emphasis on and strong connections to research opportunities.
For instance, eligible undergraduate students can apply for the to gain applicable training by completing relevant research and projects. As an undergrad, students can also minor in to further their specialties, better preparing them for their future careers.
2)听
- Waterloo, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 53%
At the University of Waterloo, the computer science program is named after alum and professor David R. Cheriton. This program is home to one of the largest computer science schools in Canada, with over 100 professional and lecturer faculty members. These faculty are well-equipped to lead cutting-edge courses and chair experimental projects. For example, there are eight Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, and ten Fellows of the Association for Computing Machinery on staff. Because of its distinguished faculty, the University of Waterloo is one of the best computer science schools in Canada.
If you are looking for hands-on experience, the University of Waterloo is prepared to offer just that. Due to its consistent and admirable history of in various fields, this university is especially well-known for its range of computer science research areas.
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3)听
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- School Acceptance Rate: 49%
With internationally respected leadership and innovative student enrichment opportunities, the University of British Columbia is one of the best computer science schools in Canada. Courses in this program focus on both a core of foundational knowledge and wide-reaching specialties. With more than 100 different courses in the field, students can learn more about e-commerce, advertising, medicine, robotics, and more.
Plus, for junior and senior undergraduate students looking for extra guidance, the computer science program offers a . Senior undergraduate students in this program can act as mentors for junior students. Seniors can also experience the role of a mentee when they are paired with industry or faculty mentors to help prepare for their careers following graduation.
4)听
- Montreal, Quebec
- School Acceptance Rate: 57%
The University of Montreal is one of the computer science schools in Canada that is a French-language institution. This program offers a mid-size program, with 465 undergraduate students in the major. However, there are over 40 professors in the program, all of whom are well-established researchers with a wide variety of knowledge.
As an undergraduate, students can choose to major in a , or they can choose from one of the . For example, there are Bachelor鈥檚 degrees available in Bioinformatics; Mathematics and Computer Science; or Physics and Computer Science.
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5)听
- Edmonton, Alberta
- School Acceptance Rate: 58%
One of the oldest computer science schools in Canada, University of Alberta offers courses and research opportunities in many specialties. Because faculty come from a varied range of industries and academic disciplines, students can more easily specialize in the area of their choosing. For example, there are opportunities in machine learning, bioinformatics, software systems, computer games, and more.
As an undergraduate, students can also partake in the program. This program is available for exceptional students who are looking for an extra academic challenge. With the help of an advisor, students in this honors program can build a specialized course schedule where they can learn more advanced topics during their time in the major.
6)听
- Montreal, Quebec
- School Acceptance Rate: 42%
For students looking for relevant opportunities, McGill could be a good option. Ranked highly for its research funding, the university also employs professors who have earned top awards in their field and are regarded as industry leaders. Students should be aware that despite its location in Montreal, McGill is an English-language university.
Students are able to experience a broad range of research areas in the computer science discipline. For example, students can study Computer Graphics, Human Factors in Computing, Robotics, Programming Languages, and more. Within each topic, there are specific sub-topics available for students looking to specialize within a research area.
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7)听
- Burnaby, British Columbia
- School Acceptance Rate: 59%
With internationally-earned recognition, the faculty at Simon Fraser are known for their research excellence. For example, there are three Canada Research Chairs and a BC Leadership Chair on staff. Plus, the campus engages actively with the surrounding community with opportunities.
Plus, the university also offers other valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Partnering with computer science researchers and business partners, students are able to take advantage of networking events and . These partnerships include working with faculty and other small businesses in the area.
8)听
- Ottawa, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 78%
University of Ottawa is one of the computer science schools in Canada that offers courses in both English and French. However, a French Immersion Stream is available for prospective students. This university鈥檚 computer science courses are offered through the .
Additionally, the program offers co-op opportunities. In these co-op places, students can gain practical, hands-on experience with real employers, so they can earn a stipend while also completing their courses.
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9)听
- Montreal, Quebec
- School Acceptance Rate: 78%
In a program which can be completed in three to four years, Concordia offers experiential learning, high-tech labs, and practical projects. Throughout the degree program, students will study a broad foundational understanding of the subject while also having the opportunity for elective courses. These electives and courses include study in mathematics, data analytics, and operating systems, among others.
Plus, after a student has completed 30 credit hours, they are eligible to apply for the , contingent on meeting certain academic criteria.
10)听
- Ottawa, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 21%
With emphasis on research and helping students pursue a specific expertise, Carleton University is one of the best computer science schools in Canada. In this program, students can earn their Bachelor鈥檚 in Computer Science with Honours, or as a Combined Honours with Mathematics.
Students in this program also have many opportunities for real-world and job experience while in the program. With co-op opportunities available, students can gain applicable skills for their desired careers early on in their studies. Plus, the university is also partnered with Shopify, one of the world鈥檚 leading e-commerce sites. Students can take advantage of this partnership by working an internship with Shopify, which is also a paid opportunity.
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11)听
- Hamilton, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 60%
A direct-entry program, McMaster offers lab-based exploration and discovery for students over the course of their studies. Due to a recent redesign of the program, first-year students can begin earning practical experience right away through specialized computer science and math courses. Additionally, with over 50 minors available, students can choose from a variety of electives that speak to their specific interests.
Plus, there are many co-op opportunities available with leading industry professionals and companies. Students can work with partners such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Bell Canada, and more.
12)听
- Calgary, Alberta
- School Acceptance Rate: 55%
Within the computer science major, students in this program have the opportunity to select a specific concentration. Students will gain a better understanding and a stronger background in their concentration. Examples of concentrations include Computer Game Development, Computer Graphics, Information Security, Scientific Computation, and more.
After completion of the program, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout their time in the program, students have the opportunity to work in a laboratory setting, as either a volunteer or as part of the research classes. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to build new applications in their courses as they learn more about software development.
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13)听
- London, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 58%
With strong research and academic programs, this university offers one of the best computer science schools in Canada. Alongside a major in computer science, students can minor in one of several disciplines, including gaming, software engineering, theoretical computer science and applications in computer science.
Because of the university鈥檚 strong links to other industries and organizations, students can take advantage of these partnerships to further their own research and studies. These connections span across North America and Europe.
14)听
- Oak Bay, British Columbia
- School Acceptance Rate: 64%
In this program, students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research opportunities, a , and other community outreach spaces. Plus, with a flexible program, students can partake in the to combine their computer science degree with another major. For example, students can pair their computer science degree with studies in geography, health information science, mathematics, music, physics, psychology, statistics, or even visual arts.
For this major, there are also many and organizations to help not only foster your love of computer science but also to share that passion with the surrounding communities.
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15)听
- Toronto, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 62%
York University offers both a BA and a BSc degree for computer science. Students looking to complement their experience with liberal arts courses will find that a BA degree may offer the best of both worlds. However, students looking for a STEM-focused approach can opt for the BSc degree, where courses focus on the sciences.
This program offers a variety of courses, such as Data Structures, Software Design, Communication Networks, and more. Courses are taken through the Lassonde School of Engineering, which also offers an optional, but strongly recommended, co-op program.
16)听
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- School Acceptance Rate: 75%
in this program focuses on five main areas: Big Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction; Visualization & Graphics, Systems, Algorithms & Bioinformatics, and Computer Science Education. Students will complete research through the university鈥檚 partnerships with ShiftKey Labs and Institute for Big Data Analytics and DeepSense.
Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to choose from either . Students will need to complete differing specified courses, depending on which track they select.
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17)听
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- School Acceptance Rate: 58%
A direct-entry program, students will have the opportunity to complete the degree in either three or four years, as part of a full- or part-time program. With flexible scheduling options, students will first enroll in courses intended to provide foundational knowledge of key concepts. For example, students can enroll in Introduction to Ethics and Values, Calculus I, and Introductory Microeconomics.
Some of the program鈥檚 featured courses include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Web Programming, and Computer Graphics and Animation. Additionally, students can take part in the to gain either a 12- or 16-month 鈥渙n-the-job鈥� experience in their field.
18)听
- Guelph, Ontario
- School Acceptance Rate: 66%
Within the first year of the program, students will learn foundational concepts of computer science, including programming, discrete structures in computing, and introductory calculus.
After the first two years of their degree, students will complete their first . In this opportunity, students can study an area of application. This means students can choose certain electives, based on their area of interest. The co-op opportunity provides students will hands-on experience for their chosen area of application.
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19)听
Fredericton, New Brunswick
School Acceptance Rate: 79%
As part of an initiative to build a communal space on campus, students can partake in the CS Square. The is a special feature of this computer science program that allows students to hone their technical-creative IT skills. The CS Square offers workshops, speakers, and even a book club.
In addition, New Brunswick employs who are world leaders in their field. Faculty here create and maintain connections which allow for students to take advantage of opportunities with local industries. Plus, the university has employed real-world research projects which involve various stakeholders, including government and private sectors.
20)听
Winnipeg, Manitoba
School Acceptance Rate: 52%
Graduates from this program are ready to take on careers in varying fields, such as programming, gaming, software system development, bioinformatics, and more. Students are well-equipped for many fields after receiving their degree.
Plus, students have the opportunity to compete in international competitions and participate in hands-on, paid work experience through co-op programs. Plus, research is a big component of study. Lots of research papers from the university have been published.
Best Computer Science Schools in Canada 鈥� In Review
Overall, computer science has become an essential discipline in our everyday lives. Because of its growing necessity, the job market in the computer science field is skyrocketing.
In fact, the estimates that employment in the field of computer and information science will grow 26% between 2023 and 2033. This 10-year growth period is much faster than other averages. Plus, there are an estimated 3,400 job openings per year available over this period as well.
The best computer science schools in Canada can prepare you to earn a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving job market. With hands-on training, innovatative research opportunities, and direction from award-winning faculty, these computer science schools in Canada provide top-notch preparation.
Any of our aforementioned schools would provide a rewarding educational experience! However, if you are looking for the best Computer Science schools in the United States, then there are even more programs to discover. No matter what you decide, are sure to find exactly the right degree program for you.
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